How to Ship Musical Instruments Safely

Last Updated:
August 7, 2025
·
How to Ship Musical Instruments Safely
Subscribe & Stay up-to-date!
Subscribe & Stay up-to-date!
Get insights and tips from experts to save up to 80% in shipping.
Shipping musical instruments requires careful packing and the right courier. Use padded cases, avoid tight packing, and ship parts separately if needed. Shipixy offers affordable rates, real-time tracking, and full support for domestic and international deliveries.

Let's Get Started! Compare shipping rates instantly!

Get a Quote
We make shipping easy, cheap, and fast. Sign up now and join +10,000 shippers that use 60% discounted rates.

Table of Contents

How to Ship Musical Instruments Safely

There are items that can be shipped easily and there are those which cannot. The musical instruments hold a top position among the items which are difficult to pack and ship in the right way. Choosing to ship musical instruments may appear easy, but there is more than just choosing the most appropriate way to pack the instrument to safeguard fragile frets, strings, and keys. As an example, the instruments can be damaged by weather and temperature conditions during shipping, which are very fragile. 

In this article, we have discussed the necessary packing process along with shipping options. It will assist you in making the right choice concerning the right service and how to compare the delivery quotations.

How to Ship Musical Instruments

When shipping musical instruments, first pack it appropriately using padded covers, bubble wraps, and strong boxes. Fit the loose parts and fill spaces with solid objects to make it unmoveable. 

Select the reliable courier company, such as Shipixy that will ensure the real-time tracking, secured shipping, and professional treatment. Lastly, you can book your shipment, pickup, and follow up the progress of your instrument to its delivery.

Fundamental Guidelines to Transport a Music Instrument

There are some general best practices when shipping musical instruments of all types, including woodwind instruments all the way to electric guitars.

1. Pack All Instruments Properly

Do not ship musical instruments using old newspapers or worn out boxes. Buy new kraft paper, bubble wrap, rubber bands, and sturdy roll packing tape. Packing peanuts are also terrible to pack, as they might end up stuck in frets and this packaging might move in transit.

New cardboard boxes will make your instrument more secure, as the cardboard may create weak points when being shipped. Pack your shipping in heavy cardboard boxes or ship in a double box. The size you select must allow some infill so that no part of your instrument or the case comes into contact with the box.

2. Ship Musical Instruments in Their Cases

Having a musical instrument in its case offers another effective extra protection, particularly when the case is hard. Still, you will be required to secure the tool in such a way that it could not move or become disoriented in the case.

Newer violin cases sometimes include internal padding which makes the process of packing very easy. Unless you have a good quality case, then you may need to purchase one before shipping a valuable instrument.

3. Do not Pack the Instrument Tightly

During the process of shipping a musical instrument it is the aim to ensure that this instrument does not move at all within the package. But you should also be careful not to keep it too tight that you exert pressure on it, since this also destroys the interior.

4. Ship Musical Instruments in Pieces

Musical instruments should also be shipped with some of its parts together and other parts packaged separately. That may not always be possible and would somehow increase the costs of shipping in case you have to hire someone to put the instrument together, wherever it is being sent. Nonetheless, this can be expensive, but it may be worth it as in the case of a very valuable piece.

Why Choose Shipixy for Shipment of Musical Instruments

We Made ShippingEasy As 1 2 3
Trusted Carrier Network
  • We collaborate with qualified and recognized carriers to make sure that your instruments are in good hands.
  • We have the right vehicle to transport your musical cargo like dry vans, flatbed, and climate-controlled trucks.
  • Through our platform, you know you can almost ship anywhere in the country because of the extensive network that we have.
Everyday Best Shipping Rates
Affordable
Prices
  • We have direct access to carriers to find the most advantageous prices of your shipments.
  • There are no hidden charges at all and you can easily keep a track of your shipping budget.
  • Obtain competitive, instant quotes without delay using our platform.
Get Our Shipping Label in Minutes!
Full Support Shipping Services
  • We control the entire shipping process, including pickup to delivery.
  • Keep tracking of shipments in real time using our convenient dashboard.
  • You give attention to your business and leave the rest to us.
Get a Domestic Shipping Quote

Top Carriers Offer Standard Delivery 

If you are sending large orders from e-commerce shops within the US, sending by standard ground delivery offers an ideal way to get a package there quickly. Several of the top carriers provide high-quality last-mile delivery (and returns) with lower postage costs.

Here is a list of shipping carriers and their standard delivery services to help you determine which ones to add to your e-commerce store.

USPS Standard Delivery 

USPS First Class Mail and USPS Priority Mail are two standard delivery services offered by the USPS Postal Service. Priority Mail takes items weighing up to 70 pounds, while First Class Mail is only for items up to one pound.

UPS Standard Delivery

UPS Ground Shipping is what UPS offers as standard delivery. All packages weighing less than 150 pounds have this service. Here are the UPS standard delivery breakdowns.

FedEx Standard Delivery

FedEx Ground is a standard delivery service offered by FedEx. All packages less than 150 pounds can use this service. FedEx standard delivery details are as follows.

How Long Does It Take To Ship Musical Instruments?

The duration in which it takes your musical instruments to be on the move depends on the courier service. It also varies with the location of your delivery. An example is when shipping musical instruments to other countries may require more time as compared to within the country.

The common delivery can even take up to five days and above. International shipping of your musical instruments will take place within a week. There are also courier companies providing priority services where your products are delivered faster.

How Much Does It Cost To Ship Musical Instruments?

Small instruments that exceed 150 pounds in weight like violin or trumpet may cost between 100 and 200 dollars in shipping across your state. Moving these instruments across the country will however be more costly and will cost up to 300 dollars.

Pianos and organs are heavy instruments with a weight of up to 200 to 1000 pounds. Delivery cost within the state can be up to 500 dollars. The same may cost a lot, say $1500, or even more when traveling long distances. Get a shipping estimate on our shipping calculator.

FAQs

1. What is the process of shipping a musical instrument using Shipixy?

It is easy to ship a musical instrument through our platform. To get started, simply get an online quote by entering details such as the type of instrument, weight, dimensions, and the pick up location as well as the delivery location. Our team of logistics specialists will connect you with the finest carrier suitable to you.

2. Which kinds of musical instruments do Shipixy ship?

Among musical instruments that we can ship include guitars, pianos, violins, cells, drum sets, brass and woodwinds, as well full concert equipment.

3. Do we transport musical instruments across the borders?

Yes, we can make international shipments to any part of the globe. We shall collaborate with you in making sure that your shipment is according to all customs documentation, duties, and regulations so that they go and are delivered without any difficulties.

4. What if my instrument gets damaged during shipping?

In case you are insuring your shipment, you can make a claim with evidence. We will support your claims and help you to recover your loss.

5. Are there any restricted items I can't ship with an instrument?

Dangerous material should be reported and might need special treatment. It is best to discuss with and clear it with your freight agent when shipping any accessories along with your instrument.

Ship Discounted Domestic Rates

Our Customers Say Great
4.7  Out Of 5 Based Happy Customers
Eric Yin

Eric Yin is a seasoned supply chain strategist and author, renowned for his expertise in procurement and supplier management. With a career spanning various industries, Eric has developed a deep understanding of the intricacies of supply chain dynamics. Eric is an editor for Shipixy Blog where he also shares his insights on strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, risk mitigation, and sustainable procurement practices. Eric's practical guidance equips professionals in the logistics industry with the tools needed to drive value and innovation throughout the supply chain.

Recent posts:

Shipixy HomeOur BlogText Link